Middlesbrough

Image source, Opta

Second-placed Middlesbrough go into Saturday's game (15:00 GMT) in a rich vein of form having won their past three games with Kim Hellberg continuing his perfect start as boss after their win at Charlton last time out.

Boro are flying high in second place and are five points adrift of leaders Coventry.

QPR will be looking to squeeze their way into the play-off positions after picking up wins in their past two games.

The R's, who currently sit just outside the top six but only on goal difference, claimed a dramatic late winner against Birmingham City in their most recent outing.

• Middlesbrough have won their past three league games against QPR, last winning four in a row between November 2015 and January 2018.

• QPR have won four of their last six league visits to Middlesbrough (L2), though they lost 2-1 there in 2024-25.

• Middlesbrough have won 10 of their last 15 home league matches (D3 L2) and won in Kim Hellberg's first game at the Riverside against Derby in November.

• QPR haven't won any of their last six away Championship games in the month of December (D3 L3), last winning back in December 2023 away at Preston.

• Morgan Whittaker has scored three goals in his last five home Championship games for Middlesbrough, having failed to score in any of his first 11 games at the Riverside for the club.

"I don't think we'd be in this position if Rob Edwards was still here. I think what's happened with him going has actually given us momentum to go forward. The players want to prove him wrong and certainly the fans as well.

"[Adi] Viveash played a key role in it with the handover. I think we will move forward and we will get better.

"Certainly me and the Boro supporters I know had never even heard of him [Kim Hellberg]. I thought initially 'what are we doing?'

"But I look at the Brighton manager [Fabian Hurzeler] who is a similar age and what he has done. He reminds me a bit of him.

"He's changed the formation. Did I think we were going to be where we are now? No, I didn't. I'm over the moon."

BBC Radio Tees' Rob Law is joined by Boro fan Ian to discuss the impact of new head coach Kim Hellberg and whether Rob Edwards leaving for Wolves has actually helped the club.

They discuss the tweaks Hellberg has made to the formation, his positive character and the improvement in form with three straight wins compared to three wins in the previous 11 games before the 37-year-old Swede arrived (D5 L3).

Listen to the discussion and the latest on Middlesbrough on BBC Sounds.

"I'm loving the way we are playing football. We're really going for the jugular now in terms of counter-attacking football.

"You're not slowing up, you're having a right go, you're taking chances and it's great to see."

BBC Radio Tees' Paul Addison and former Boro midfielder Neil Maddison reflect on an important win against Charlton that extends new Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg's winning start to a third straight game.

Includes post-match interviews with Hellberg and goal scorer Riley McGree.

Listen to the full reaction and more Middlesbrough content on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Getty Images

Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg was pleased with his side's first half performance in their 2-1 win over Charlton at The Valley.

Goals from Riley McGree and Morgan Whittaker put Boro in control before half time.

George Edmundson's late own goal made things nervy but they held on for a third straight win under Hellberg.

"The first 45 minutes was very good, away from home, playing with pace, striking the ball," Hellberg told BBC Tees. "We were close to creating four or five bigger chances, crosses we didn't get a head or foot on.

"They came out with energy in the first 10 minutes of the second half; we regained control and it felt like we killed it off.

"Of course when they scored a goal, the stadium becomes energised but I was proud of the way we defended."

Hellberg said he wants his team to be braver in possession under pressure but was pleased with their resilience in the second half.

"The second half was not our best football, it was about killing the game off. We had fewer attacking options, they got energy. If we can take more steps we can be better on the ball; it is about being brave.

"It is good to see we can play different types of football."

Image source, Shutterstock

Defender Neto Borges says he is "open" to staying at Bristol City beyond this season when his loan deal ends in the summer.

The 29-year-old Brazilian left-back has played 13 matches since joining from Middlesbrough on deadline day in September, starting nine of the past 12 league games.

When asked if he would be open to a conversation about staying with the Robins in 2026-27, Borges told BBC Radio Bristol: "Definitely, yes, if the conversation happens I'm open to it.

"I know I'm on loan here but you never know the future. I'm not saying I'm going to be here next year, because I don't know the plans of the guys here, but I'm part of the team this season, so I'm enjoying my time here."

Image source, Getty Images

The FA Cup third round draw was made on Monday evening, with all 24 Championship clubs entering at this stage of the competition.

Ties will take place between Thursday, 8 January and Monday, 12 January.

These are the ties involving Championship clubs:

• Cambridge United v Birmingham City

• Hull City v Blackburn Rovers

• Bristol City v Watford

• Charlton Athletic v Chelsea

• Stoke City v Coventry

• Derby County v Leeds United

• Ipswich Town v Blackpool

• Cheltenham Town v Leicester City

• Fulham v Middlesbrough

• Burnley v Millwall

• Norwich City v Walsall

• MK Dons v Oxford United

• Portsmouth v Arsenal

• Preston North End v Wigan Athletic

• West Ham United v Queens Park Rangers

• Sheffield United v Mansfield Town

• Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford

• Doncaster Rovers v Southampton

• Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion

• Wrexham v Nottingham Forest

You can see the full draw here.

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has been speaking to BBC Radio Tees ahead of the trip to Charlton on Tuesday night (kick off - 19:45 GMT).

The 37-year-old has won his first two games in charge of Boro since being appointed on 24 November. Here are the key takeaways from his press conference:

• "It's all about winning games when it comes down to it and when you do that you get more belief, more time, better possibility to work," Hellberg said on his start to life at the Riverside.

• "The players get more energised too, so I think it's been the perfect start in many ways. We turned the game around against Derby, we won the last one. It's been two very good weeks for me. The players have been excellent, they've worked very hard, trying to learn and adapt."

• Morgan Whittaker has scored four goals in four games, including in the 4-1 win at Hull last time out, but Hellberg says he was also impressed with his defensive display. He said: "I think this was the best performance defensively I've seen from him. He was defending for the team in a way I haven't seen him do before."

• Explaining why he deployed Alex Gilbert in a deeper midfield role he said: "Mobility, being brave on the ball, wanting to solve things. I think he has so much quality, especially when he's facing forward. He's very clever, he has a good eye for details in terms of making small things count."

• Hellberg views Charlton as a "man-marking team, aggressive and have a lot of energy". He said: "Good on set plays, they've scored the most in the league. We need to match their energy, they will come at us. They are very brave in the way they defend and quite direct in their offensive play. Great challenge, good, intense team."

• On whether Aidan Morris, Dael Fry, Luke Ayling and Alan Browne could return from injury: "We will see. They are getting closer, so we will see if there can be any additions to this squad or if we have to wait a bit longer. I think they will be back very soon."

• And finally on Charlton fan Norman Barker, 68, who died after collapsing at the Addicks' game against Portsmouth on Saturday: "It's terrible to hear. You wish all the games could be where everyone enjoys themselves and goes home to their family. Very sorry to hear about that. It's an opportunity to come together even stronger and show that everyone is together even if you support different teams."

Image source, Opta

Middlesbrough will seek to close the seven-point gap to leaders Coventry when they visit Charlton on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

Kim Hellberg's side lie second, two points ahead of third-placed Millwall, following their 4-1 romp at Hull City on Friday night.

The Addicks have slipped to 17th, just six points clear of the relegation zone, off the back of four straight Championship defeats while Saturday's game against Portsmouth at The Valley was abandoned after just 12 minutes after a medical emergency in the crowd.

It later emerged the club's Supporter of the Year, Norman Barker, had sadly passed away after being taken ill, with tributes to 'Headphones Norm' expected to be made before the Boro game.

• Charlton have won just one of their past 12 league games against Middlesbrough (D2 L9), beating them 2-0 at the Valley in March 2016.

• Middlesbrough have won four of their past six away league games against Charlton (D1 L1), including a 1-0 win on their most recent visit in March 2020.

• Middlesbrough have won just one of their past eight away league games against promoted sides (D3 L4), beating Oxford United 6-2 in November 2024.

• Charlton have won their past five midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) home league games, including a 1-0 win over West Brom in their only such Championship game this season.

• Middlesbrough have won just one of their past five midweek (Tues, Weds, Thurs) Championship games (D2 L2), beating Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 in October.

New Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg claimed a win to kick-off his time at the Riverside but can he follow it up on the road against a tough Hull City side on Friday (20:00 GMT)?

Boro claimed a 2-1 victory over Derby to put themselves back in the automatic promotion spots but with Millwall, Stoke and Preston North End all looming behind them, they will need a point to ensure they stay there this weekend.

Victory may not come easy though, as opponents Hull seek a place in the top six and their first back-to-back wins since October.

• Hull have won just one of their last six league games against Middlesbrough (D1 L4), a 2-1 away win in December 2023.

• Following a 1-0 win in this exact fixture last season, Middlesbrough are looking to win consecutive away league games against Hull for the first time.

• Hull City have won six of their past 10 league games (D1 L3), with only league leaders Coventry City winning more since the start of October (10).

• Having won their first two Championship away games this season, Middlesbrough have since won just one of their last seven on the road (D4 L2).

• Joe Gelhardt has been involved in nine goals in his last nine Championship appearances (7 goals, 2 assists), netting the winning goal in all five of Hull City's victories in that run.

Could one of Middlesbrough's most influential incoming players in January be someone they have already signed?

Defender Adilson Malanda joined Boro in the summer but was loaned back to former club Charlotte FC until the completion of the Major League Soccer season in November.

With the side under a new manager in Kim Hellberg and defenders Luke Ayling, Dael Fry, George Edmundson and Darragh Lenihan all suffering injuries, the Frenchman's debut will be much welcomed by those at the Riverside.

"Boro are excited about him so I think there would have been an anticipation about him coming in regardless, but there's extra anticipation just because of the state of the defence," The Northern Echo's Dom Shaw told BBC Radio Tees.

"Adilson Malanda feels like a big signing for Boro. Physically, certainly, but also because of what he'll offer the side."

Listen to the full analysis and more Middlesbrough content on BBC Sounds.

"Whenever a manager comes into a football club, ultimately the first thing they need to do is get results and he's [Kim Hellberg] done that. It was a great start."

The 72+ team are joined by ex-Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith to talk about high-flying Championship pair Boro and Millwall, along with struggles at Swansea, Plymouth Argyle, Port Vale and Bristol Rovers.

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg led his side to victory in his first game in charge - can he get them purring all the way to the Premier League?

"Kim doesn't strike me as someone who is daft - he's come into the football club, he knows all the players, he knows what's been good about the team from the start of the season, he knows where there could be improvements," Smith said.

"I think that's his general remit now - to get the players at the top end of the pitch going, get them a little bit more expansive while keeping the back door shut.

"You know what it's like in the Championship, you've got to have balance. You've got to have both things to be successful in the league."

Listen to the full episode of 72+ and more on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Getty Images

Middlesbrough winger Morgan Whittaker says the players have proved their resilience amid a change of manager, after they returned to winning ways.

Whittaker scored the winning goal as Boro came from behind to beat Derby County 2-1 in Kim Hellberg's first match in charge.

Middlesbrough are second in the Championship table, 10 points behind leaders Coventry City and two points ahead of third-placed Millwall.

Ex-boss Rob Edwards left for Wolverhampton Wanderers last month and the club picked up four points from three games with Adi Viveash in temporary charge.

But only Coventry have fewer than Boro's three league defeats from 18 games this season.

"I think that is the difference this season. We are finding ways to win," Whittaker told BBC Radio Tees.

"We can score from set-pieces and we can score from open play and I think that's what is really helping us.

"We know we've got the quality and the resilience to go and perform and keep going like nothing has changed.

"We are the ones that can affect things on the pitch, no matter who is on the side."

Hellberg praised the team's character and the way they fought for each other against Derby and Whittaker believes his new manager has settled in well.

"He's not wanted to change how we play with the ball. He knows our strengths. He knows that we are really good in possession," Whittaker added.

"It's just little changes without the ball, especially the attackers, and then when we lose the ball, being more secure to stop the team transitioning on us."

Boro have two away games coming up in the Championship, first travelling to Hull City on Friday, before a visit to Charlton Athletic next Tuesday.

Adam Cottier
BBC Final Score reporter

Image source, Adam Cottier

On a rainy, gloomy day on Teesside came a gritty show of perseverance from Middlesbrough.

Bruised by a dip in form, the recent surprise change of head coach, and maybe the absence of a key midfield cog in Aiden Morris, they found the going tough at times against Derby County.

The away side began in aggressive fashion in taking their early lead and looked astute for a long time until, as their boss John Eustace admitted after, Derby "ran out of legs".

Middlesbrough took full advantage. Even though Morris wasn't alongside him, Hayden Hackney showed his dynamic qualities, leading his team's fightback, not least with an excellent corner delivery for an equaliser that stunned Derby into submission.

Morgan Whittaker's winner was a piece of optimism in the soggy conditions, greeted by a roar of approval from a Middlesbrough support that will hope more such wins will follow in the heartlands of a fascinating promotion race in this division.

Middlesbrough will, however, have to regularly play better than they did in this game to remain in the top two. It was spirited and industrious, but by no means fluid and laden with creative spark.

And so to Kim Hellberg. "The whole day was crazy," he exclaimed afterwards. "It's a day I'll remember for the rest of my life."

He went on to speak candidly about his tactical approach in his first post-match press conference, and the fact he had no hesitation in giving a professional debut to young defender Archie Baptiste when the lead needed protecting at the end.

It was quite a start in terrible weather conditions. An illustration of how competitive the Championship is; how positive results can come when you have players capable of brilliance even when an all-round performance isn't quite on the button.

And credit, too, to the Middlesbrough fans behind the fabulous tifo display before the game.

Kim Hellberg praised a "brilliant" performance from Alex Bangura, insisting the defender showed players can force their way into his plans with effort on the training ground.

Bangura, 26, has not played for Boro for 18 months, with his last appearance coming at the end of the 2023-24 season.

But after impressing the new manager in two sessions at training this week he was rewarded with a start and 90 minutes as Middlesbrough came from behind to beat Derby County.

"I heard he hadn't played in a long while but he showed me that he has so much skills and a good attitude in training," said Hellberg.

"I thought his performance today was brilliant. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Coming in after 22 months and doing that over 90 minutes fighting against a tough team was brilliant.

"It is also important to show the players that if you perform in training you get the chance to play."

The pressure is already on Kim Hellberg as he prepares for his first game in charge of Middlesbrough.

Hellberg takes charge of Boro for the first time against in-form Derby County at Riverside Stadium on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Speaking on BBC Radio Tees' fan panel, Boro fan Brian warns, "I think at the moment we are going backwards. We're only two draws instead of wins away from being out of the top six because the pack is closing.

"Teams like Derby County, five or six [recent wins] I think it is. Last time I was on, I was saying how poor the relegated teams were, Ipswich are on a roll. Southampton got a good away victory last week."

A 4-2 loss to Coventry on Tuesday night means Boro are now 10 points behind the league leaders, have dropped out of the automatic promotion spots and could be looking over their shoulder at teams below them.

Brian added: "The gap is closing and this is why I think really Kim, this new appointment, he really needs to start off on the front foot. There's lots of challengers there.

"I wouldn't swap our position, I just think we need to do a little bit more to protect it.

"He needs to hit the ground running because Friday evening, Preston play away at Oxford, if they win that, we could find ourselves down at fourth place before we play Derby County."

Listen to more from the BBC Radio Tees fan panel on BBC Sounds.

Kim Hellberg will take helm of Middlesbrough for the first time on Saturday (15:00 GMT) as his new side host Derby County.

Boro won their first game under caretaker boss Adi Viveash but subsequently only earned one point out of their following two matches to see them out of the second place spot on goal difference.

But Hellberg's introduction to the Riverside will be a testing one, with the Rams winning six of their past seven league matches (L1) to put themselves within touching distance of the top six.

• Middlesbrough have lost just one of their last 16 home league games against Derby (W12 D3), winning each of the last three in a row.

• Derby lost their last league meeting with Middlesbrough in March (0-1), but haven't lost consecutive league matches against Boro since a run of three from April 2014 to March 2015.

• Middlesbrough have only won one of their last six league games (D3 L2), conceding in each of those games; they last endured a longer run of conceding between October and December 2024 (9 games).

• Derby County have won six of their last seven league games (L1), winning each of their last three on the road; they last enjoyed a longer such run in the Championship in October 2014 (4).

• Derby's Andreas Weimann has been involved in four goals in his last three away league appearances against Middlesbrough (1 goal, 3 assists), providing a hat-trick of assists in Bristol City's 3-1 win in July 2020.

New Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg will take charge of his first game when Derby visit the Riverside on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

In his first major managerial job with Varnamo in 2022, the 37-year-old kept the club in the Allsvenskan in their first-ever season in the Swedish top flight before leading them to an incredible fifth-place finish in 2023.

Hellberg was then appointed by Hammarby and guided them to two consecutive second-place finishes in 2024 and 2025.

Nordic Football Pod host Jonathan Fadugba says Hellberg is a "young and exciting" coach, who is considered "one of the best emerging managers in Sweden".

"He will try and put together an entertaining style of play," Fadugba told BBC Radio Tees.

"He's not a boring manager who will try to just sit in and nick a 1-0. He's someone who likes to implement an attacking game and go at teams.

"That's why his Hammarby side have been considered one of the best teams in the league for the past two years."

Fadugba said Hellberg would be open to adapting his style to the Championship and "won't be wedded to a system" if it isn't working.

"There will be a bedding in period, he's not the messiah who will come and everything is going to be amazing," he said.

"But one thing you can guarantee is that he's a clever manager. He will try and adapt in-game and he will definitely try and play the right style of football."

Describing his character, Fadugba said Hellberg is "very cool, calm, collected and debonair".

"A bit dapper on the sidelines, he has a bit of touchline chic," Fadugba added.

"Very unflappable. He's not a manager who gets carried away and starts throwing teacups. Very relaxed and clear eyed. He's very methodical but also very innovative.

"I think one of the reasons he's been selected by Middlesbrough, at such a big club, is that he's got a very modern style of management."

"Coventry look like a team that are ready to go the season - but every team has a wobble."

Have the Sky Blues already got the Championship title in the bag? Is new Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg the right man for the job at Riverside Stadium? Is it time for Southampton and Tonda Eckert to make their partnership official?

The 72+ team are joined once again by Chelmsford City striker Lyle Taylor to discuss all of the latest news in the Championship - from Coventry's dominant 10-point lead to Charlton's defensive woes.

Listen to the full episode of 72+ and more on BBC Sounds.